Dr. Karen E. (Stokes) Melucci

82, of Jamestown passed away peacefully on April 25, 2023.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, she was a daughter of the late Frederick Stokes and Muriel E. (Bedal) Pratt.

Karen grew up on the East Side of Providence, and received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where she later served as the head coach of women's squash. While there, she had a strong following of young women players, whom she helped, forge into champions. Many of her former students kept in contact with her throughout these past decades. Among many things, Karen was an accomplished pianist, as well as an avid sculler, and went on to win several regattas, making lifelong friendships within the sport.

She then spent the latter half of her life residing in Jamestown, and after raising her family, earned her doctorate degree from Nelson A. Rockefeller College in Albany, NY. She was a professor of both criminal justice and critical thinking at Salve Regina University. Throughout the years, she professionally assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigations, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where she was highly regarded for her efforts and diligence and was bestowed with the Native American appellation of Fair Flower.

Karen had an exceptionally keen mind and was ever able to temper reason with wisdom. Though sophisticated and well cultured, these aspects of her personality were often camouflaged by her humble nature. Karen touched countless lives, and was always quick to lend aid and support, particularly to those least expecting. Fiercely loyal to her family and close friends, no bonds were ever stronger. Karen helped guide and shape the lives of many others, including those either young or old, stranger or familiar; all walked away as better people from their encounters and connections with her.

Karen mostly enjoyed spending time with her children, though especially her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her last days, all converged at her bedside, where they mostly laughed, but also cried, through their goodbyes. Though an extraordinary fighter, Karen ultimately passed on, peacefully, and with the signature grace and dignity we so deeply admired her for.

Karen leaves her three sons: Anthony Melucci, William Melucci and David E. Melucci; her beloved sister, Rondelle (Stokes) Ruggiero; seven grandchildren, Ryan
(Kelsey) Melucci, Kathleen (Isaac) Cinquegrana, Lynn Melucci, Bianca Melucci, Antonio Melucci, Stella Paige Melucci and Zoe Kay Melucci; and four great-
grandchildren, Vincent Cinquegrana, Maddox Melucci, Dante Melucci and Cameron Melucci.

Karen will be forever missed, though never forgotten.

Her services will be private.